Matthew 26:50

Matthew 26:50. Friend. Comp. chap. Matthew 20:13. A term of civility, though not necessarily of friendship. Our Lora did not turn away, in holy indignation, from this Judas kiss. His meekness and gentleness under the greatest provocation, surpasses even the standard which He holds up for His disciples; Matthew 5:39.

Do that for which thou art come! A slight change of reading makes the common translation incorrect. The expression is elliptical, and may be either an exclamation or a question: ‘Is it this for which thou art come? ‘The former accords much better with the emotion natural at such a time. In any case it is a stinging rebuke to Judas.

Laid their hands, etc. This does not imply undue violence. He was probably not bound until afterwards (comp. John 18:12).